Australia’s life sciences development pipeline is flourishing, however, the number of home-grown medicines successfully securing FDA approval remains small.
Join us for our first BioForum in 2025, to explore how to successfully drive more home-grown products to commercialisation.
Professor Andrew Wilks, co-recipient of the prestigious Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation, and Amanda Handley, Vice President at Medicines Development for Global Health (MDGH), will take the stage as featured speakers for the exclusive Fireside chat: ‘Turning innovation into market success’.
Prof Andrew Wilks, academic and serial entrepreneur, celebrated for co-inventing and commercialising the ground-breaking cancer drug momelotinib, brings his expertise on navigating the complexities of turning cutting-edge research into global impactful and market success. Momelotinib, used to treat myelofibrosis, a cancer of the bone marrow, is only the second Australian drug discovery ever approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and a medicine that is now also Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA)-approved.
Amanda Handley, an expert in global health innovation, will share insights from her leadership at MDGH, including the approval of moxidectin, a new treatment for river blindness – the first in over 30 years – recently approved in Ghana. Her work highlights the power of philanthropic partnerships, like those with the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, in delivering life-saving treatments to underserved populations.
Reserve your spot now – tickets are available for a limited time!
This is your chance to hear from exceptional leaders reshaping the path from research to market success. Whether you are an aspiring innovator, experienced life sciences professional, entrepreneur, policymaker, or investor, you’ll gain valuable insights and connections to advance innovation within your sector.
Event details:
Date: Wednesday 26 February 2025
Time (AEDT):
3:45 pm: Guest arrival and registration
4:00 pm: Fireside chat with Professor Andrew Wilks and Amanda Handley
5:00 pm: Q&A
5:30 am: Networking
6:30 pm: Close
Format: Hybrid – In person and online
Venue: Spruson and Ferguson, access via lower ground, 385 Bourke Street, Melbourne, Vic 3000
Speakers:
Professor Andrew Wilks, Managing Director, SYNthesis Bioventures
Amanda Handley, Vice President | Head of Development, Medicines Development for Global Health
Host: Karen Parr, CEO, BioMelbourne Network
BioForum registration
Registration:
In-person: Members $95; Non Members $195
Online: Members $25; Non Members $45
Unsure if your organisation is a member? Check our member directory.
Cancellation policy:
In person registration:
Full refund given up to 7 days prior to the event
No refunds within 7 days of the event
Online registration:
Full refund given up to 3 days prior to the event
No refunds within 3 days of the event


Professor Andrew Wilks, Managing Director, SYNthesis Bioventures
Professor Andrew Wilks is a renowned molecular biologist, cancer cell biologist, and serial entrepreneur, celebrated for his transformative contributions to drug discovery and commercialisation. During his tenure at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Melbourne (1983–1997), he led ground-breaking research in the signal transduction field, uncovering critical pathways in neurogenesis, angiogenesis, and cytokine signaling. His pioneering work includes discovering and patenting JAK1 and JAK2, two drug discovery targets that have revolutionised therapeutic approaches in oncology and immunology.
As the founder of Cytopia in 1997, one of Australia’s earliest ASX-listed biotech companies, Professor Wilks achieved a rare “trifecta” of innovation - discovering and – together with Dr Chris Burns - leading the development of Momelotinib, a therapeutic JAK inhibitor approved by the FDA (2023) and TGA (2024). This milestone underscores his ability to translate scientific breakthroughs into global market success.
Over his outstanding career, Professor Wilks has founded or co-founded fourteen companies in the drug discovery arena. He currently serves as Founder and Managing Director of SYNthesis BioVentures, a venture-discovery firm dedicated to advancing academic innovation into commercialised therapies. His leadership at SYNthesis med chem, a global Contract Research Organisation, and SYNthesis Research exemplifies his commitment to bridging academic excellence with industry application.
In addition to his entrepreneurial achievements, Professor Wilks is a thought leader in Australian science and technology. He holds an Adjunct Professorship at Monash University and an Honorary Enterprise Professorship at the University of Melbourne. A fellow of the Australian Academy of Technology and Engineering (ATSE), the Australian Academy of Health and Medical Sciences (AAHMS), and the Australian Academy of Science (AAS), he has received numerous accolades, including the ATSE Clunies Ross Medal (2017) and the Prime Minister’s Prize for Innovation (2024).
Professor Wilks’ unparalleled expertise in translating innovation into commercial success makes him an inspiring voice for the BioForum fireside chat, offering attendees a masterclass in navigating the complexities of life sciences entrepreneurship.
Amanda Handley, Vice President | Head of Development, Medicines Development for Global Health
Amanda Handley, MPH has over two decades of experience in drug and vaccine development. As the Head of Development at Medicines Development for Global Health, Amanda has been instrumental in advancing clinical programs of the portfolio, including early phase studies in HIV therapeutic vaccines and late-stage clinical trials for an oral rotavirus vaccine. She has a proven track record of leading multidisciplinary teams, managing global stakeholders, and overseeing strategic planning in mission-driven organizations.
With a Master of Public Health from the University of Melbourne and a Bachelor of Science (First Class Honours) in Microbiology from La Trobe University, Amanda has developed deep expertise in clinical project management, biotechnology operations, and philanthropic-funded programs. Her career spans roles as Senior Scientist at Bavarian Nordic in Germany and Denmark, as well as research positions at the University of Melbourne and the Burnet Institute.
Passionate about improving global health through innovative solutions, Amanda continues to drive impactful research and development initiatives, ensuring that life-saving treatments reach those in need. Her expertise, dedication, and collaborative approach make her a valuable leader in the field of global health and drug and vaccine development.